From the UL 2723 ECOLOGO® certification to restoration funds and legislative frameworks, each step of the exploration process is governed to ensure responsible and sustainable management of natural resources.
Discover how these practices and regulations contribute to making the Quebec mining industry a model for sustainable development and transparency.
Targeting companies involved in mineral exploration, this certification emphasizes their commitment to sustainable development. As of October 2024, more than 29 companies had already received this recognition, demonstrating a collective commitment to excellence and compliance.
The benefits of certification go far beyond recognition: it enables companies to optimize their strategic planning, anticipate risks, and prepare for legislative changes. By strengthening relationships with communities and other stakeholders, UL 2723 ECOLOGO® also contributes to improving the social acceptability of projects and reducing implementation delays.
Since 2013, companies are required to submit a reclamation plan along with a financial guarantee before starting any exploration project that may have an impact. This process ensures that mining sites are no longer left unmonitored and that financial resources for their restoration are protected.
| Creation date | 2007 |
| Territory | Nunavik |
| Funding | 7M$, including 4.1M$ in public funding and 2M$ from companies |
| Objective | Provide the Kativik Regional Government (KRG) with the financing and technical support necessary to carry out cleaning and rehabilitation work |
| Exploration sites inventoried | 193 |
| Exploration sites cleaned | 130 |
| Partners | FRAN brings together about thirty partners, mainly the Inuit, the Government of Quebec, and mining companies operating in Quebec. |
| Creation date | 2018 |
| Territory | Eeyou Istchee Baie-James |
| Funding | 11 M$, dont 10,5M$ en financement public |
| Objective | Mener à terme l’inventaire des 429 sites miniers d’exploration abandonnés nécessitant un nettoyage sur le territoire |
| Exploration sites inventoried | 429 |
| Exploration Sites Cleaned | To be determined |
| Partners | Ministry of Natural Resources, the regional government of Eeyou Istchee James Bay, and the Cree Nation Government. |
Targeting companies involved in mineral exploration, this certification emphasizes their commitment to sustainable development. As of October 2024, more than 29 companies had already received this recognition, demonstrating a collective commitment to excellence and compliance.
The benefits of certification go far beyond recognition: it enables companies to optimize their strategic planning, anticipate risks, and prepare for legislative changes. By strengthening relationships with communities and other stakeholders, UL 2723 ECOLOGO® also contributes to improving the social acceptability of projects and reducing implementation delays.
Since 2013, companies are required to submit a reclamation plan along with a financial guarantee before starting any exploration project that may have an impact. This process ensures that mining sites are no longer left unmonitored and that financial resources for their restoration are protected.
| Creation date | 2007 |
| Territory | Nunavik |
| Funding | 7M$, including 4.1M$ in public funding and 2M$ from companies |
| Objective | Provide the Kativik Regional Government (KRG) with the financing and technical support necessary to carry out cleaning and rehabilitation work |
| Exploration sites inventoried | 193 |
| Exploration sites cleaned | 130 |
| Partners | FRAN brings together about thirty partners, mainly the Inuit, the Government of Quebec, and mining companies operating in Quebec. |
| Creation date | 2018 |
| Territory | Eeyou Istchee Baie-James |
| Funding | 11 M$, dont 10,5M$ en financement public |
| Objective | Mener à terme l’inventaire des 429 sites miniers d’exploration abandonnés nécessitant un nettoyage sur le territoire |
| Exploration sites inventoried | 429 |
| Exploration Sites Cleaned | To be determined |
| Partners | Ministry of Natural Resources, the regional government of Eeyou Istchee James Bay, and the Cree Nation Government. |
In Quebec, the mining sector is subject to strict regulations designed to minimize environmental impacts while meeting sustainable development requirements. Several laws and regulations govern mining operations, enforcing exemplary standards for the protection of water, air, wildlife, flora, and the health and safety of workers.
Energy consumption optimization is also part of this framework, with measures for responsible and efficient use of energy resources. Additionally, Quebec stands out for its commitment to the circular economy within the mining value chain, promoting greater mineral recovery and limiting unnecessary extractions.
Resource valorization, another key aspect, involves adding value to minerals already extracted or mining waste, a principle that extends to other industrial sectors as well. These laws and regulations not only protect the environment but also strengthen social acceptance of mining projects within local and Indigenous communities.
The Mining Act requires mining companies to obtain approval for their reclamation plan before receiving their mining lease. This law also mandates the provision of a financial guarantee, ensuring that the necessary resources are available for the restoration of the exploited sites.
Mining exploration activities in Quebec are governed by a regulatory framework designed to guide and oversee the entire process, from exploration to production. This framework guides companies in obtaining the permits, leases and authorizations essential to each phase of their project. In addition to explaining the administrative process, this normative framework plays a role in assessing the feasibility of projects and ensuring that informed decisions are made throughout their development.